Design Specifications

Have a project in mind? Whether you've got a finished CAD file or just a sketch on a napkin, Shields Fabrication & Design can take it from concept to finished part. This page covers what we can build, what we need from you to get started, and how the process works.

What we can build

  • CNC Plasma Cutting — aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel up to 3/4" thick, in sheets up to 60" × 120".
  • Welding & Metal Fabrication — cutting, bending, welding, custom truck beds, brackets, equipment repair, and one-off custom projects.
  • 3D Design & Modeling — 2D and 3D CAD, prototype drawings, and custom signage.
  • 3D Printing & Reverse Engineering — rapid prototypes, plus reverse engineering of existing parts with our 3D laser scanner.

What we need from you to quote

The more detail you give us up front, the faster and more accurate your quote. Ideally:

  1. A file or drawing — see accepted formats below. No file? No problem — describe it, sketch it, or send photos and we'll design it for you.
  2. Dimensions — overall size and any critical measurements.
  3. Tolerances — how precise the important features need to be. Not sure? Tell us how the part is used and we'll advise.
  4. Material & thickness — e.g., 1/4" mild steel, 1/8" aluminum, 304 stainless.
  5. Finish — raw/mill finish, painted, powder-coated, etc.
  6. Quantity — one-off, small batch, or a production run.
  7. Timeline — when you need it in hand.

Accepted file formats

  • 3D models: STEP (.step / .stp), STL
  • 2D drawings / cut files: DXF, DWG, PDF
  • Reference: photos, hand sketches, or a written description

Only have a physical part? We can reverse-engineer it with our 3D laser scanner.

Don't have a design yet?

That's what we're here for. Our design services take you from idea to production-ready file — 2D and 3D CAD, prototype drawings, and design-for-manufacturability so your part is actually buildable and cost-effective. We'll handle revisions with you before anything gets cut.

How it works

  1. Reach out with your project details — form, email, or phone.
  2. We quote the job, including any design work needed.
  3. We build — cutting, fabricating, and finishing to spec.
  4. Pickup or shipping — local pickup or freight, depending on the project.

Start your project

Ready to get going? Send us your details and we'll get right back to you.